Posted on 11/15/2006 8:39:52 AM PST by ConservativeMajority
Now that the 2006 midterm elections have almost all been decided, political observers are turning their attention toward the presidential sweepstakes in 2008. It will be the first race since 1952 that doesn’t have an incumbent president seeking re-election or vice-president looking for a promotion, leaving the field in both parties wide open. Hillary Clinton, John Edwards and John Kerry top the list of about a dozen Democrats considering a White House run and Mitt Romney, John McCain and Rudy Giuliani are the names most frequently talked about for the Republican nomination.
With the official end of the 1994 Republican Revolution coming just a week ago, some have been openly wondering if the architect of the Contract With America will return to the political stage to once again lead the conservative movement with a bid for the White House. After attending an event with Newt Gingrich last night, it appears that the former House Speaker is not running for president - he’s waiting to be asked to serve.
Gingrich was interviewed by a restrained Chris Matthews and revealed the depth and breadth of his knowledge of American history. Gingrich, once a college professor, lectured the audience about how leaders like George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt might deal with today’s problems and political environment. Woven into his responses to the over-matched talk show host, was an unmistakable affirmation of conservative principles that were abandoned by the Republican Congressional leadership just deposed.
More striking was Gingrich’s outlook for the upcoming presidential campaigns. He suggested that the current lack of effective leadership in both parties is the result of negative campaigns that appeal to the lowest common denominator. Gingrich believes that real leaders will emerge when “things get bad enough” for Americans to stop responding to the politics of personal destruction and seek candidates with a strong, defined, inspirational message. The underlying premise is that those who seek power will be turned aside in favor of someone who seeks to lead a nation.
It is clear that Gingrich believes he is such a man, as do I. He’s not running for anything, but it seems that he is waiting for his country to call.
Giulani is unelectable. McCain stinks, is arrogant and is a RINO - unelectable. Romney, while looking good, carries his Morman baggage. Probably not electable.
Newt is articulate, smart, a great debater and above all, a conservative. He has some baggage but the press will load anyone nominated with baggage - real or otherwise. He would eat Hillary's lunch on issues.
Reagan was able to articulate the conservative message directly to the people. Newt can do that.
Well, it only took 16 posts for the "B" buzzword to surface.
I have the utmost respect for Newt and enjoy his knowledgeable span of history. The man has a true understanding of conservatism.
My only fear regarding Newt is wheher he is tough enough. I believe he shares a fatal flaw with Clinton - a need to be liked. I need to see more backbone in the man.
I'll take another Georgian though - 'Spitballs' Zell Miller! Yes, I know he's technically a democrat. Minor little sticking point.
I had premarital sex before I got married. So I'm dirty too... I guess. At least that's what my parents told me.
Newt is probably the best choice. At least he's a conservative.
Haley Barbor is also a good choice.
A senator from either party that makes it to the WH would be a heinous, despicable, unfortunate precedent these days. It would only encourage more of them to do so.
I can't be the only one sick of McPain, Biden, Kerry, Clinton, Edwards, Lieberman...to no end.
With that as the fundamental premise, who is there? Newt certainly has the ideas. Ditto Santorum. And Giuliani has shown the grit and instinct. I think the GOP nomination comes down to those 3 people, with Romney as VP candidate at best.
What about Dems? Hilary! has the cash, but can she position herself as a hawk on defense to gain votes in the primary?
See post #61.
Read the Contract with America. It was that document and Newt pushing it that allowed the Republicans to return to the House and Senate after 40 years.
As for has beens, what do you think of this guy?
Hint: He was a radio announcer, grade B movie actor, card carrying democrat, and president of the Screen Actors' Guild.
" the GOP will only nominate someone who can be a leader in wartime."
I have posted this prospective ticket more than once and still feel it to be viable. We may need another Ike in 2008, and run a military man.
"Franks and Rice" sound like the blue plate special to me.
I've voted for him many times before but he let me down when he ran from his problems.
I would still vote for him again.
Where would he put his Library though, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Virginia or Maryland?
LOL. To paraphrase Echo Talon's sage perspective, Newt may actually be more effective as The Wizard behind the curtain (my term). With Rudy doing face time combating The Beast or whoever else shows up on the left.
What's that? 'Be careful what you wish for'??
By the author's small incestuous circle no doubt. But consistently in polls on all types of GOP leaning blogs, both conservative, libertarian and moderate, and in conversations at the copier, Newt is the most mentioned candidate. Romney is a distant 4th in virtually every poll.
When Condi Rice's name is added, she is always #1 with every faction of Republicans, including those factions that disagree with her positiion on their favorite issue.
In short, this article is not worth reading. I did not waste my time reading to the end.
LOL!
His sister is gay but he is still against gay marriage.
I thought we had heard the last of Gannon (or whatever his real name is).
He can wait.
Better keep waiting.
Gingrich is a great idea man.
But he couldn't be elected Dogcatcher.
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